Photo by Atomic Aquatics

Unfortunately, humans were born lacking the necessary optics to view the amazing underwater world clearly. Therefore, we must use one of those slightly boxy things with lenses on them that we call masks, to be able to see the magnificence of the underwater world clearly.

You cannot just grab a mask and go, either. There is a bit of work that goes into picking the correct mask for the shape of your face to ensure that it fits you properly. Trust us when we say that diving or snorkeling with an ill fitted mask is the most miserable thing ever. It's not hard to fit a mask correctly, and with the seemingly endless options of mask shapes and sizes out there, every underwater enthusiast is bound to find one with the perfect fit.

Follow these steps to find the perfect fitting mask:

Step 1: Go into a dive store!

This is imperative to finding a good quality mask that will fit you well. Buying a mask from a big box store does not allow you to try it on. They may be cheaper, but you are going to get what you pay for here. By going into an actual dive store you will get personalized service, the ability to touch, feel, and try on numerous masks, and probably end up with a better warranty on your mask purchase.

Step 2: Try it on!

We encourage you to try on many different masks. This way you can see how some fit one way and some fit another. You want to find a mask that feels comfortable on your face.

Step 3: The "Suck" test

It may sound funny, but to see if a mask has a proper and good seal on your face, place the mask against your face (without putting the strap over your head) and suck in (or inhale) through your nose gently, then hold your breath. If the mask stays stuck to your face for more than a few seconds, it has a good seal and fits your face well.

Step 4: Fit the strap

Now you can fit the strap to your head. Make sure the strap is sitting on the crown of your head, not down near your ears (this will cause the mask to pull down on your face and leak), and do not over tighten the strap. If the mask is too tight on your face, it will leak. You want the strap to be just tight enough to support the mask on your face and cause it to have a slight suction against it.

There you have it, four easy steps to finding the perfect fitting mask to your uniquely shaped face. If you follow these steps and invest in a good quality mask, you will have something that will allow you to view the beauty of the underwater world for years to come!